Daugherty to Focus on Role as AD

Robyn Daugherty steps down as women's volleyball coach to focus on AD role.

Siloam Springs, Ark. (January 26, 2010) - John Brown University’s Director of Athletics and head women’s volleyball coach Robyn Daugherty announced on Tuesday that she will be stepping down from her coaching role to concentrate on her duties as Director of Athletics at JBU.

Daugherty, who has served as the head coach of the women’s volleyball program since 1989, said that she is grateful for the opportunity she’s had to invest in the lives of her team members over the years, but added that she’s ready to dedicate her time completely to the entire department.

“The decision to stop coaching is bitter sweet, but I know it is the best thing for both the volleyball program and the athletic department,” said Daugherty. “The athletic department deserves an AD who is focused on excellence for all the programs, and the volleyball program deserves a coach who is dedicated to building on the success of the past and giving the players the attention they need and deserve.”

JBU’s Vice President for Student Development Dr. Steve Beers added that it wasn’t an easy decision but believes it will better serve the institution as a whole.

“We believe that Robyn can and will provide campus wide input on student engagement along with leadership in a national venue with the NAIA,” said Beers. “We are excited about the change for Robyn and know that this was a difficult but strategically wise decision.”

Daugherty concludes her 20 year collegiate coaching career at JBU with 446 wins and 300 losses. During the last decade, she has led the Golden Eagles to ten 20-win seasons, including back-to-back 30-win seasons in 2004 and 2005. In 2006, she earned Sooner Athletic Conference Coach of the Year honors while leading her team to an SAC Championship after going a perfect 10-0 in conference play. She was also named SAC and NAIA Region VI Coach of the Year in 2000 and 2004. In addition to those honors, Daugherty also received the Region VI Coach of Character Award in the spring of 2007. She has also coached two NAIA All-Americans and numerous NAIA Scholar Athletes.

In this her fourth year as Athletic Director, Daugherty has devoted much time and effort to move the athletic program forward. Daugherty has played an important role in the construction of the new $9.5 million Bill George Arena, which will serve as a new playing venue for volleyball and men’s and women’s basketball this upcoming fall. She has also spearheaded the return of men’s golf, men’s and women’s cross country, and cheerleading to the sport offerings at JBU. She is constantly working with her coaches to ensure facility and equipment upgrades remain a top priority. She also works to ensure that all student-athletes are given the tools needed to excel in the classroom and in competition. Through her work with the NAIA’s Champion of Character program, she ensures the student-athletes and coaches conduct themselves with respect, responsibility, servant leadership, and sportsmanship as representatives of JBU.

A 1985 graduate of JBU, Daugherty has a bachelor's degree in education as well as a master's degree in leadership and ethics, also earned at JBU in 2004.

With this announcement, the search for a new women’s volleyball coach will begin immediately. All inquires can be directed to Robyn Daugherty at rdaugherty@jbu.edu.